Business
FirstBank Set to Make Millionaires Out of Nigerians with FirstMobile Cash-Out Promo
By Eric Elezuo
As the final lap of the FirstMobile Cash-Out Promo, organised by Nigeria’s leading bank, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, gets hotter, the Nigerian public is jostling to have a bite of the delicious pudding, and become millionaires. As a result Nigerians are encouraged to thrive to become millionaires without as much as doing anything. Yes, without as much as doing anything. This is because the leading financial inclusion bank is bent on creating millionaires this season as part of its spread of social corporate responsibility efforts, which encompasses all strata of human endeavours, and which has put smiles on the faces of Nigerians as well as lifted families to above average status.
Kick-started on March 21, 2022, the FirstBank’s FirstMobile Cash-Out Promo, which is expected to end on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, has so far rewarded a great deal of customers with mouth watering prizes including N480, 000 for 480 customers at 10, 000 each; N360, 000 worth of airtime for 360 customers; sets of television, refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners to five customers and a whooping N8, 000, 000 to 200 customers at 40, 000 each.
But the big one is here! The promo, on its last leg is set to produce two Nigerians, who will cart away N1, 000, 000 each, and the most beautiful part of the show is that all Nigerians are eligible to participate, so long as they are users of the FirstBank FirstMobile App. Simple! It is also worthy of note that the promo is and has been opened to new and existing customers of the bank, connected to the FirstMobile App. So what are you waiting for?
FirstBank’s Group Executive, e-Business & Retail Products, Chuma Ezirim, while speaking on the campaign at inception in March, made it clear that participating customers will have cause to smile and upgrade their status as the promo lasted. It is not late for anyone who is yet to participate to get involved, and be one of the winners of the one million naira cash prize.
“As the leading financial inclusion services provider in Nigeria, we are delighted to partner with Interswitch, an Africa-oriented technology-driven company, to reward our customers for their continuous patronage. Together with Interswitch, we remain committed to ensuring the continued safety of customers’ funds across multiple electronic payment channels irrespective of where our customers may be across the world. FirstMobile remains another obvious step towards leveraging evolving technologies to bring fast and convenient digital banking solutions to our customers,” Ezirim had said
Whichever way one looks at it, this is a definite period for a thorough cash out, and all Nigerians are advised to get their own FirstMobile App, and get into the groove.
HOW TO GET STARTED
All you need to do is download a FirstMobile App, and do a minimum of six transactions within the week on the app. These sets were eligible for the respective rewards: N10,000 cash for 200 winners; Gift items (TVs, Refrigerators and AC) for 10 winners; N10,000 airtime for 340 winners.
In addition, 500 customers that carried out a minimum of 10 transactions in a month won N30,000 cash. The Grand Prize of N1,000,000 will be won by 2 lucky customers who carry out a minimum of 20 transactions or a minimum of two bills payment of N1000 plus five airtime transactions of at least a total of N5000 in a week.
ABOUT FIRSTMOBILE APP
FirstMobile is built to reflect FirstBank’s resolve at reinforcing the digitisation of payment systems, whilst putting customers at an edge to conveniently meet their everyday needs at any time, irrespective of where they are. The app provides convenient access to both financial and non-financial transactions by FirstBank account holders via their mobile devices. It is sleek and convenient to use – evident in its easy enrolment process as all FirstBank customers with Verve and Naira Mastercards can begin using the app without having cause to visit a FirstBank branch. It is also poised to offer a more reliable and more convenient overall digital banking experience.
To set up the FirstMobile app, customers with android phones should visit the Google Play store to download and install the FirstMobile app. Customers with Apple devices can download it from the Apple Store. Once installed, customers are required to open the app, tap the register button, and use their FirstBank issued Naira MasterCard or Verve card to activate the app. After details have been inputted, an OTP code will be sent via an SMS to your phone number that is linked to your bank account and you are then required to Input a 5 digits code that will be your login password, select two security questions and answer them, create a personalised 4 digits transaction pin that will help your confirm transactions. Upon the conclusion of these steps above, click Done and start enjoying the app.
As part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to France, the Chairman of UBA Group, in the presence of President Tinubu and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, signed a landmark business cooperation agreement with the French Finance Minister, Antoine Armand. The agreement is a significant indication of support by the French Government for the development of UBA’s full banking operations in France.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of UBA Group commented: ”This partnership reinforces our commitment to seamless international banking services for our customers, not just across the 11 Francophone African countries we serve, but Africa as a whole; and French and European customers transacting with Africa. Expanding into France is a natural progression, with Paris serving as our European Union hub, as we continue to bring Africa and the world together, through innovative financial solutions. Paris will join London, New York and Dubai, as a critical component of our unique global network.”
United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.
In a bid to promote a savings culture and enhance financial literacy among young Nigerians, Unity Bank Plc has announced plans to launch a new app for children and teenagers designed to empower users to achieve their financial goals.
The announcement was made during the World Savings Day training held at Emerald Fields School, Calabar, Cross River State, as part of the Bank’s nationwide initiative to mark the global event.
World Savings Day is observed in Nigeria as an initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bankers Committee and Junior Achievement Nigeria to drive financial inclusion with the vehicle of Financial Literacy Training which is held in secondary schools across the country.
Speaking at the event, Unity Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Tomi Somefun, represented by the Chief Compliance Officer, Mrs. Patricia Ahunanya, emphasized the importance of instilling good financial habits early in life. She explained that the upcoming app would equip students with tools to set SMART financial goals, understand the power of compound interest, and build financial safety nets through savings and prudent money management.
“Financial literacy is the foundation of a secure future. By teaching students to distinguish between needs and wants, budgeting, and embracing delayed gratification, we empower them to take charge of their financial journeys. The new app will serve as a practical tool to support these lessons and help young Nigerians build a culture of savings,” Mrs. Somefun stated.
The training session in Calabar, one of 16 held simultaneously across secondary schools in Nigeria, aimed to instil essential money management skills. Participants were exposed to simulations on earning, budgeting, spending wisely, and understanding the principles of borrowing and saving. Unity Bank’s representatives guided the students through interactive discussions, encouraging them to set financial goals and cultivate habits that support long-term financial stability.
World Savings Day, celebrated annually on October 31, aims to promote the importance of savings and financial awareness globally. In Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with the Banker’s Committee, Deposit Money Banks, and Junior Achievement Nigeria, coordinated activities to engage students nationwide.
Unity Bank’s initiative aligns with the CBN’s financial inclusion strategy by encouraging young Nigerians to embrace financial literacy early. The Bank’s upcoming app, designed specifically for children and teenagers, will complement this effort by providing an engaging platform for setting savings goals, tracking progress, and building healthy financial habits.
With financial literacy training held in six geopolitical zones, Unity Bank reinforces its commitment to youth development and capacity building.
FirstBank, the premier West African financial institution and financial inclusion service provider has announced its hosting of the first-ever China-Africa Interbank Association (CAIBA) Forum to strengthen economic ties and investments between China and Africa.
The forum, themed “Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Strengthening China-Africa Trade, Industrialization and Economic Diversification,” will take place on November 27, 2024, at the Fraiser Suites Abuja.
Established in 2018, CAIBA marked a significant milestone in fostering financial cooperation between China and Africa, comprising 16 African banks, including FirstBank, and China Development Bank (CDB) as well as ABSA Bank, West African Development Bank, Central African States Development Bank, Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank, Development Bank of South Africa, Ecobank, United Bank for Africa, RawBank with the aim to enhance partnerships in various spheres, such as infrastructure interconnection, international cooperation, and cultural exchange. This initiative was driven by the need to address the funding gap in Africa for industrialization, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation.
The CAIBA Forum which will be co-hosted by China Development Bank offers a unique opportunity for knowledge sharing, networking and deal making, for the purpose of fostering a win-win cooperation and promote joint development among member-banks. Formerly convened only in Beijing, the Forum will now provide a unique platform to spotlight Nigeria’s pivotal role in the growing China-Africa economic relationship as the host country.
Intrinsically woven into the fabric of the society and with its extensive network across Sub-Saharan Africa, UK, and China, FirstBank provides unparalleled access to markets, to facilitate trade and investment flows between China and Africa.
Additionally, FirstBank’s expertise in financial inclusion, trade finance, corporate and investment banking positions it as an ideal partner with China Development Bank with key strengths in inclusive and sustainable financial solutions in driving this important initiative to support Chinese and African businesses.
Speaking about the forum, the CEO of FirstBank Group, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, said, “We are honoured to host this pivotal event that fosters dialogue and collaboration between Chinese and African financial institutions. This forum reinforces our commitment to bridging the gap between Africa and China, catalyzing economic growth and development. The selection of FirstBank as the host is a testament to our rich legacy, deep expertise in African markets, and an impressive 130-year history of empowering businesses and communities to thrive. We are proud to support the continent’s economic transformation and growth and remain dedicated to exploring the partnership opportunities this forum will bring for the mutual benefit of China and Africa.”
Participants will have the chance to engage with government officials, business leaders, and financial experts from both regions. Expected guest speakers include His Excellency, the Vice President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Minister of Trade, Industry & Investment, MD of China Development Bank, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Governors of Lagos, Kano and Anambra States; Ambassadors from countries of CAIBA members, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export–Import Bank, Representatives from the China-Africa Development Fund, and many industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to explore opportunities for cooperation and mutual growth.
In addition, the CAIBA Forum will feature a plenary session which include Dr. Abiodun Adedipe – Founder & Chief Consultant BAA Consult, David Ofosu-Dorte – Senior Partner, AB & David Africa, A Pan-African Law Firm, Ugo (UgoDre) Obi-Chukwu – Publisher Nairametrics, Wole Adeniyi- CEO, Stanbic IBTC, Bamidele Abu- CEO, ABSA Nigeria Capital Markets, Mrs Kouassigan Dovi Eliane Khady – Head Financial Institutions West African Development Bank (BOAD). Other exciting line-ups include a trade exhibition, keynote speeches, and networking events that will explore the latest trends and opportunities in China-Africa cooperation.
The establishment of CAIBA is a positive development that has the potential to significantly impact the economic landscape, actively shaping economic future and fostering partnerships that drive sustainable growth and prosperity of both China and Africa.
